Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare

Book: Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare
Releasedate: 19th of March, 2013

The third and last book in the Infernal Devices series and I'm so torn that it ended and yet hopeful to read. First of all, I just LOVE the overlap we see with the Mortal Instruments and the Dark Artifices series. So much is intertwined. Familiar names, familiar characters, background stories and much much more. The stories are rich with content and I just love the fact that Cassandra did actually read all the books that were written in the time the Infernal Devices take place and that she actually visited the spots that occur throughout the series.

It feels so real and well thought of. I didn't like reading the first book in the Dark Artifices (who take place after the Mortal Instruments), but now I have read this series, it means that the story from the Dark Artifices lives a little bit more and is even more enjoyable. 

For people who just started reading one of the series from Cassandra that take place in the Shadowhunter world, I advise you to read the Infernal Devices first, to keep it chronological. Then read on to the Mortal Instruments and finish it off with the Dark Artifices. Then so much more makes sense. I loved the Mortal Instruments series and I loved the Infernal Devices thoroughly. I do have a weakness concerning everything Victorian aged style, so that definitely had some bonuspoints with me.

Now about the Clockwork Princess. It's the conclusion of this series and feels like a new beginning. We experience so many feelings. Love, betrayal, confusion, heartbreak, loss and pain. But also joy, and hope and contentment. It's wonderfully balanced and the use of Cassandra's words is just rich. You actually feel like you're there, watching over their shoulders. 

The Infernal Devices is a more than worthy prologue for the Mortal Instruments. I just loved it from beginning to the end. 

Ave atque vale. 

Kingdom of Ash - Sarah J. Maas

Book: Kingdom of Ash
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Releasedate: 23rd of October, 2018

Once upon a time, there lived a princess who loved her country.

The conclusion to the epic Throne of Glass series. First of all, I still like "the Court of" series better

then this series, but the last book really made up for it. I just loved it from the beginning until the very end. So many storylines wrapping together, entwining themselves through the very last book. You still need an awesome memory to remember everyone and what happened previously, but if you can look past that, it is amazing. I had several moments where I caught myself getting goosebumps.

Sarah manages to end the story in an epic and amazing way. We see joy, love, pain and loss, and so much beautiful moments and heartbreaking moments. This book really held me captive when I was reading it. I really can't reveal much, because it would mean I would definitely be giving spoilers and I really want to avoid that.

For the people who read "the Court of" series, you're in for a surprise at nearly the end of the book. It had me squeel while I was in the subway. People looked at me funny. I totally fangirled. 

Kingdom of Ash has so much rich content and it definitely feels like a worthy end to the amazing stories of so many people. Aelin, Rowan, Dorian, Manon, Lorcan, Elide, Aedion, Lysandra and so much much more. Ofcourse, I am curious how the future will be, but for the story itself, it is done. And it was a great conclusion. 

We lost Celaena Sardothien through the passing of time, but we gained Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius. And she is smoking! 

Wingless - Heather Trim

Book: Wingless
Author: Heather Trim
Releasedate: Will be released: 8th of November, 2018

"I must get home before someone else I love dies."

Imprisoned on a floating island, four wingless friends need to get home before an assasin strikes at the heart of Balfour. Facing the dangers of the land and sky, young Ledger must help them escape and lead them home.

But his adopted brother, Tolliver, won’t leave just yet. He is dead set on finding his winged family, the ones who threw him away at birth. Will they accept him or execute him? Either way, Tolliver intends to try."

First of all, I was and am thrilled that I got to read the second book in this amazing series of Heather Trim. I read the first one at the start of this year in advance too, so I'm honoured to do it again! 

Wingless will be released in exactly two weeks and I am going to tell you why you should read it. First; Have you read Wingbound? No? You should! Why? Read this!  How? You can buy it for only $0.99 at Amazon for your Kindle here or whatsamacallitgadget. So that's literally no money at all for such an amazing adventure.

Now, Wingless. No spoilers. Absolutely fab. To be honest, it took me some time to get into the story. You could really feel Heather was building up to something. Like being in a rollercoaster. Going up is fun. You can see the view, enjoy the start of the ride, but when you go down, it gets even better. At some point the story just captivated me and I didn't want to put it down.

I really liked the fact that we got to see the story from the point of view from Ledger and also from Tolliver. Makes you see that their minds are totally different. Where Ledger is deep down cool and calculated and logical, there is Tolliver, with his temper and want to do something about it all. The story really evolves with the mindset of the two. So intertwined and yet two different stories wrapped in one adventure. You can literally see the lines being tossed out how the story goes. Some things were cliché, and some things were not. You literally didn't know what would be there around the corner for us to read. It could be cliché, or not. 

Wingless is an easyreader, fantasyloving, well thought story that evolves the more you read it. It has some awesome twists, some gross parts, some happy moments and some splendid shenanigans. (Shenanigans, amazing word.) Oh, and have you seen that gorgeous cover? She made it herself again! Stunning! I can't wait to read more!

Winter - Marissa Meyer

Book: Winter
Author: Marissa Meyer
Releasedate: 10th of November, 2015

Well, that took me some time to finish this one! It was 827 pages long, so yeah, this book took me up some time! And since I read almost everyday for about an hour... Oh well, I finished it and it was a blast! The conclusion to the epic story of Cinder where we really meet Winter and how she turned out to be who she was.

So many storylines coming together to match with the whole picture and Marissa did that wonderfully. Jampacked with so many fairytalereferences! So much has happened in this book. The last month has been just Winter for me. I loved it. 

It wasn't filled with clichés. The only thing you know, or hope you know, that it's going to be allright. Even when everything goes berserk. And the fact that Cinder was so human in everything she went through, made it so real to live in this world. Her fears, her joys, her anxiety, her wishes. I felt what she felt, despite not having a cyborg hand myself. Oh boy, that must be practical. ;-) 

Winter is a worthy final book in the series. I was happy dragging it along in my bag to work, despite for it being so big. Lol. You really see and feel throughout the story that Marissa thought of so much more then just the story. The backgrounds, the politics, how this all would fit in the future and yet so much is familiar despite the fact that it's not taking place in our own time. Marissa makes it easy to construct the world in your head how this all works and looks and feels and it is amazing. 

The person I liked most in the story was one thing I wanted to establish for myself and I noticed that is quite a tough decision to make. I like Cinder for her resourcefullness. I like Scarlet for her down-to-earth and no-bullshit attitude. She reminds me of a friend of mine. I like Cress for her smart mind and her struggle to come around in the "normal" life with friends. I like Kai, because... Well... Kai. And I do like Wolf. So ehm, not really a person I like best. Marissa made her characters so diverse, it's hard not to feel for them and like them. 

Winter is the worthy closure of an epic fairytale story. 

Cassandra Clare - Clockwork Angel

Book: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Releasedate: 31st of August, 2010

Victorian age. London. Smog. Vile and raw. Shadowhunters.

I just love everything concerning the Victorian age so this was just just on my 'must read' list. I just loved this book. Especially because I already read the entire Mortal Instruments series and there are so many things that are recognisable or even persons that are the same! Just, amazing. I mean, Magnus! Magnus in his earlier days and he is just the same as ever. I squeeled a little when I found out he was also in this story, this adventure. I really like Magnus.

It's awesome to see how Cassandra has woven this story into time itself. The ways, the manners, the dresscodes and ideas are so typical for that time. She really thought of that. She has even woven several familynames in the Shadowhunter world that are familiar and it makes my brain run. All the references. So much old and new. I just loved it. 

It's an enrichment to the Shadowhunter world to start reading this series. I am currently reading the second book with much pleasure. But shhht... Spoilers. 

Cassandra Clare - Lady Midnight

Book: Lady Midnight

Author: Cassandra Clare

Releasedate: 8th of March, 2016

I totally ran behind with my reviews. Life has gone crazy with a unexpected moving, so it was pretty nuts. But it didn't stop me from reading. I was reading this one during the move. I own Lady Midnight as a copy on my shelf, so it was quite some weight to haul around in my bag. But I liked it nonetheless. I really enjoy reading Cassandra's stories inside the Shadowhunter world.

Despite my liking for her, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the Mortal Instruments series. I just loved that series to bits. But I can't point my finger to the cause why I don't love this book. Sure, it was really interesting to see what had become of Emma en Julian, but the story didn't quite captivate me as it usually does. 

The storyline is nice, the writing style is as usual amazing. Nevertheless, I will still buy the next book in the series when the budget allows it. I just like the world of Shadowhunters too much!

Fairest - Marissa Meyer

Book: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Releasedate: the 27th of January, 2015

Mirror, mirror on the wall
Who is the Fairest of them all?

Fairest is the 4th novel, technically called 3,5, in the Lunar Chronicles. We get to know Levana and why she became so twisted as she is these days. The story is unnervingly freaky and relatable in a way. They say it is possible to skip this story and continue with Winter, but I am happy I did read it. It tells so much about what happened before. How Selene came across her current faith, who Winter is and how Levana became queen of Luna. 

Marissa managed to captivate me in a way, well uh, it's two days later and I've read it already. It was fascinating, terrifying, twisted and dark and I loved it. It's a true show of craftmanship to write such a dark and good backgroundstory. You almost sympethise with Levana. She believes in her own truth and that is woven throughout the story. So intense, you almost feel sorry for her. 

And now I have run out of books for the Lunar Chronicles. *eyes wallet* Eh, not now. But I still have plenty to read!

Cress - Marissa Meyer

Book: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Releasedate: 4th of February, 2014

Cress is the third novel in the Lunar Chronicles where we meet... Cress! Well doi. But still. Cress is stuck in her own little world called her satellite. Only fed and "loved" by her Mistress Sybil. We caught a glimpse of Cress in the previous novel and my interest was instantly piqued. 

The story of Cress is seamlessly woven into the bigger picture with Cinder and Scarlet and it is amazing. I've heard a lot of good stories about Cress and those totally came true. Cress is jampacked with action, story development and character progress. I even slightly start to like Thorne. Who knew? 

So many little hints were dropped throughout this story that hinted to more to come and to know and still you were right there. In the moment of the story. To see what happens and doesn't happen. I am anxious to see how the story continues. So many questions left unanswered... 

Now I've started reading Fairest, so my questions will remain unanswered for a while, since I don't own the last two books. Yet. But there is many many more to read, so I won't be bored for a while! 

Scarlet - Marissa Meyer

Book: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Releasedate: the 5th of February, 2013

I was finally able to read the second book in the series, which now has a beautiful spot between the rest of my books! Yay for birthdays! Wishlist fulfilment!

We get to know Scarlet. At first I was confused what had happened to Cinder, but eventually everything became clear in the end. The story clearly shows that the worldbuilding is pretty much done in the world of Cinder and Scarlet, so characterbuilding for the win!  

The story is catchy, intriguing and I really love the way Marissa builds this world and how it works. Where you only know Cinder in "Cinder", you really feel there is more too it than it seems in this novel.

It's fun, it's exciting, it's excruciating, it's marvellous. We meet Wolf, start to care for the grandmère of Scarlet and the whole story just simply captivated me. Marissa's version of little Red Riding Hood is amazing. I just loved it. 

For every fairytale lover, this series is just a must read. 

A Court of Frost and Starlight - Sarah J. Maas

Book: A Court of Frost and Starlight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Releasedate: The 1st of May, 2018

I was still reading Acowar when the newest book to my collection came in. Pre-ordered ofcourse, though it had some delay. And I know it is a sequel/prequel but dang, I wished the book was bigger. This wasn't enough, lol. 

We see what happens after the War, how everyone copes and not copes with the shit that happened and happens. And that is great to read. To see what that shit does to people.

The previous books sometimes had scenes that were written from a different point of view in the story, and I liked that. Acofas is different. Like almost every chapter has been told from the point of view from someone else and that needed some adjusting from my side. But still, it was rather enjoyable and I really can't wait to read the next book! 

I'll keep this one brief, to avoid spoilers. ;-) 

A Court of Wings and Ruin - Sarah J. Maas

Book: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Releasedate: 2nd of May, 2017

It took me way to long to read this one, but life caught up on me, so I really didn't have much time left to read while my nose was stuck in schoolbooks. But I finally did it! For the second time, lol. 

I just love the way Feyres world works. I loved the part where we got to know the other High Lords better, and everyone and everything else. This book is definitely longer than the previous two, so it has some much story to it. Political parts as well which made me yawn a bit, honestly, but hey, it's part of everything that happens. 

Tears were shed the first time I read it, luckily it didnt this time or it would have been awkward seeing me all soggy over a book in the train amidst unknowing passengers. 

It gave me chills, and heartbreak, and relief, and joy to see everything unfurl. Sarah managed to captivate me once mere even when I already read the book. 

And now I can finally start reading in the sequel/prequel: A Court of Frost and Starglight! It came yesterday with the mail(finally!) after being delayed a few days. (gah!)

A Court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J. Maas

Book: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Releasedate: 3rd of May, 2016

Second up! A Court of Mist and Fury. Took me a little longer to read this one, since it contains a lot more pages than part one and my life was catching up on me. But nonetheless, I've finished this one! One more to go before the release of "A Court of Frost and Starlight!" Oh yes, I am excited. And yes, I have preordered it already. 

I can simply say that I loved this book even more than the first one. I already totally shipped Rhys and Feyre, I really dislike Tamlin for all sorts of reasons. The story itself contains more history, more schemes and plans that go way above your head. Whereas the first book was a story on itself, the second one sweeps you up in even more intrigue and drama. We get to know Mor, Cassian, Azriel and Amren and you just feel the warmth of that particular family leaking into you. Amarantha broke Feyre quite litteral, but through the story, she heales again.

I just loved the parts where Feyre gets to know herself better and she masters everything that comes across her path.
Sarah J. Maas keeps you intrigued in the story with sometimes a few scenes that can get a little ermm.. Hot? It's up to you if that is to your liking or not. 

And as always, her style of writing is captivating and rich. It's the third time I have read this one and I'm still not bored!

It's not a hard guess what my next review will be...

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas

Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Releasedate: 5th of May, 2015

This is one of my favorite books at this time. The first book in an amazing trilogy. I even own it as a paperback instead of reading it on my e-reader, so it can occupy a lovely spot in my bookcase. This is the third time that I've read it and I keep falling in love with the story. Seeing more and more details since I know what is going to happen after this book. I've also read the two upfollowing books and it still doesn't bore me! Those too are present in my bookcase!

This is not your average Beauty and the Beast story. It is lovely, wonderful, indefinitely rich to read and behelds more than you might think when you read it for the first time. Luckily my mind is quite forgettable, so I don't mind reading a book over and over. You can feel the despair of Feyres world before everything happens. You can feel so many emotions throughout the story and I wished I could paint. It sounds amazing to be able to see the world like that. And it only gets better.

Sarah takes you with her in this amazing world filled with faeries, Fae and fantasy. She paints the picture in your head for you without little effort. And after reading it the first time I was flabbergasted about what happened and overjoyed how it ended. Now, after reading it for the third time I am only curious to read further, in spite of having read the second book already twice. It's intriguing to see how many layers Sarah has woven into the world and the story of Feyre. There is so much richness to it. I kinda recognised myself more in her sister Nesta, cold and calculating at times, but there is enough to recognise in Feyre to live with her in her world. Beastly Tamlin is really fantastic and too good to be true for a High Lord that it pains me to know how the story goes. Riddles, riddles, riddles. It is so much better to read it, then for me to tell it.

I know which book I'm reading next, and I've got some catching up to do since the novella "A Court of Frost and Starlight" is coming up on the 1st of May, which will function as a sequel to the current storyline and a prequel to what is coming. I can't wait!

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle

Book: A Wrinkle in Time
Author: Madeleine L'Engle
Releasedate: January 1st, 1962

Well, that was rather enjoyable. This book is a bit of a golden oldie, but nevertheless I was intrigued to give it a chance, especially since a movie adaptation is due in our theaters in April. I rather enjoy reading a book first before seeing the movie, because you understand so much more of what's going on and what is at stake. I had never heard of this book before, in spite of the fact that it is quite popular overseas in the States. 

Whilst reading A Wrinkle in Time I definitely noticed that the language that is used is a bit more older than what I am used to in my reading. And that is proper fun. To think of the fact that this book was published in 1962 and in what kind of time that was, this is rather amazing for sciencefiction/fantasy writing back in those days. My mind immidiately pictured the house of the Murry's as an old, sixties style kind of house. 

The readingstyle is pleasant, not too hasty and I could definitely see why it was intended as a childrens book. Through it certainly applies for adults. Just look at Harry Potter. Totally intended as a childrens story, but it's magic captivated adults. And that is what A Wrinkle in Time does as well, though less complicated then Harry Potter. The story is simpler, adorable and yet you spy several deeper layers whilst reading. More meaning to the story than it first meets the eye. 

I recognised myself a little in Meg, though I am a bit more rational than Meg is, less stubborn in my own ways. I saw something recognisable. And to be honest. It felt like there was more to the story. I think Madeleine could've easily packed more facts and explanations into the story to make it even more richer, but ofcourse it is still a childrens book after all. 

I've got the other three books already lined up! Curiosity for more at least!

Ready Player One - Ernest Cline

Book: Ready Player One

Author: Ernest Cline

Releasedate: August 16, 2011

How come I've never heard of this book before? It is ah-ma-zing! My interest was piqued when I read some very enthusiastic responses in one of the Facebook groups I'm in. And I am ever so grateful for that bunch of geeky girls to point me towards this amazing book. Have I told you that it is amazing? I have literally squeeled with joy to read so many references of geekery and gaming in one book. I was overjoyed and so sad when it ended. I just LOVED reading it!

I'm a huge geek and gamer myself, so naturally I submerged myself quite quickly in the wonderful world of the OASIS. So many recognisable perks and quirks for a geeky gamer like me. I'm just old enough to understand most of the 80's references the book is packed with, due to parents who brought their youth into raising me. 

If you love geeky stuff, if you love gaming and if you have a certain affinity with the 80's, I'd say this is definitely worth a read. It is filled to the brim with references. I have laughed so hard at certain situations. Some things were so recognisable. I even knew certain passages out of the top of my head! The story really speaks to you, even if it takes place in the future. Ah, if the OASIS was already here. I'm still stuck with my 2D monitor and crude mouse and keyboard. Lol.

And can you imagine my excitement when I discovered there is going to be a movie? I usually am quite skeptical with book to movie adaptations, but this just has  the basics to be something awesome. At the end of March we can submerge ourselves into the story of geeks and gamers on the big screen. But for now, I am having this huge smile on my face for reading something that awesome! 

Cinder - Marissa Meyer

Book: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Releasedate: January 3, 2012

Loosely based on the story of Cinderella, Marissa Meyer brings you the first novel in the Lunar Chronicles. This amazing, futuristic story uses new and old elements and blends it together. I love the touches you see throughout the entire novel where the original story peeks through.

It's filled with joy, excitement, feelings and despair. We all know the story of Cinderella. Cinder's story isn't any better for her faith. So don't expect that everything will be well, because it won't. But still, in spite of what you already know, this book is still refreshing and an absolute must to read if you are into fantasy, sciencefiction and young adult. 

Marissa managed to captivate me since the first chapter and it was really hard for me to put it down! I usually read on the road to work, when I’m extremely bored in public transport. I’m the girl that reads with her iPod plugged in. But this book made me to read it on other moments as well. At home, at school. I devoured it. Marissa’s style of writing is lively and so easy to fantasize by. 

In spite of the fact that the story takes place in the very far future, I was able to easily build the world around me with Marissa’s words. She made an old story into a new one. I already looked up the rest of her books in the series and I really want to own them all! *looks at wallet* Heh, not now though. *puts it on her wishlist*

Wingbound - Heather Trim

Book: Wingbound

Author: Heather Trim

Releasedate: March 23, 2018

"Ledger is supposed to fear and despise the Sky People of Ellery, but then he meets an Ellerian girl, named Alouette and does the wrong thing. With his village at war with the winged people who live on a floating island that circles their world, he befriends her.

In Ledger’s seventeenth harvest, Ellery returns empty. The Sky People are gone, Alouette is missing, and Ledger must make a difficult choice — continue life as usual in the blacksmith workshop or board the island against the elder’s wishes and find her."

Wingbound. Oh boy, what was I bound by this book! I read the teaser first and was a little sceptical. It sounded like a common lovestory. Ha! What was I wrong. I’m so sorry, Heather! 

If you thought you have read it all, you haven't read this one! 

Heather manages to drag you with her in her fantasyworld of this magnificent floating island. If you still have a dash of fantasy, it’s not really hard to imagine everything that is happening in this book. Heather knows her characters through and through and uses that to her benefit. It's unexpected, funny, serious, wonderful and above all; magical. Definitely worth your time of reading! 

She paints a beautiful landscape with words. Her style of writing is captivating and I wished I wasn’t done so soon with reading. Gah. Can’t wait to read more! My quote on my blog that is written by Jane Austen definitely applies to Wingbound. 

I’m honored that I was able to read this wonderful story before it’s release and I can really recommend others to buy it when it’s available! And have you seen that cover? That is just simply gorgeous!

And do you know the best part? The book is already online for pre-order!

Pre-order your copy HERE

Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian - Eoin Colfer

Book: Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian
Author: Eoin Colfer
Releasedate: 10 July, 2012

Currently known as the last book in a series of wonderful novels. Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian marks an eventful book filled with memories from throughout the series.  I've read every single one of them with a lot of fun. And now my journey has ended with this one. Without spoilers; the ending felt complete. Wondering if there ever will be more to explore within this amazing fantasyworld created by Eoin Colfer. She gives a new perspective considering elves, trolls, leprechauns, fairies, demons and so forth. Who knew leprechauns were actually underground fairy police? ;-) 

At the start of the series I couldn't stand Artemis. He was precocious and driven by greed. But I admired his intellectual capacities. During the series he becomes older en given the circumstances, he becomes wiser. Constantly one step ahead of everyone, even the insanely smart centaur Foaly can't shake him off. Guarded by his huge bodyguard Butler he thinks he's sort of invincible. The wonderful world of faires has shown him otherwise. 

Mulch the dwarf has also won a spot in my heart with his outrageous outbursts and selfish behaviour. But deep down there is a spark of decency which provides more than one time to be of value to the group that Artemis surrounds himself with. That bumflap though... Brrr. the stuff of nightmares.

A keyperson to this all is ofcourse Holly Short, a LEP Recon(leprechaun, haha, there you have it) officer at the start of the series. She really reminds me of myself with her strong character, her ability to stay cool in emergency situations, but also to break some rules when it's absolutely necessary. At least; when we think it is. 

Now concerning the last book; it's quite epic to see how the events turn out. How people rise and fall because of their own ideas and to see what ancient history in this world can do. Several aspects from the previous books return in this one and it's wonderful to see what part they will play. 

I really enjoyed the style of writing that Eoin Colfer manages to display. It's not too difficult English, in spite of what Artemis says ofcourse. Master Genius. I've read quite a lot of books that were a bit more upscaling concerning the difficulty of the words, but I'm inclined to say that it is an issue. It is very easy to read her books. So ofcourse, I devoured them. She can really bring you along in her fantasyworld and knows how to tickle your imagination.

It's a shame I'm done for now with the series. I really liked it.

I would definitely say this is a awesome series to read if you're into fantasy and easyreading.

Well, let's see what my next review will be...